A cationic dye with diverse biological activities
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Methylene Blue (hydrate)

Item No. 26095

Product Insert (PDF)Safety Data Sheet (SDS) (PDF)
Technical Information
Formal Name
3,7-bis(dimethylamino)-phenothiazin-5-ium, monochloride, hydrate
CAS Number
122965-43-9
Synonyms
  • NSC 617593
  • Tetramethylthionine
Molecular Formula
C16H18N3S • Cl [XH2O]
Formula Weight
319.9
Purity
≥95%
Formulation (Request formulation change)
A crystalline solid
Solubility(Learn about Variance in Solubility)
DMF: 2 mg/mlDMSO: 2 mg/mlEthanol: 3.3 mg/mlPBS (pH 7.2): 0.14 mg/ml
SMILES
CN(C)C1=CC2=[S+]C3=C(C=CC(N(C)C)=C3)N=C2C=C1.[Cl-].O
InChi Code
InChI=1S/C16H18N3S.ClH.H2O/c1-18(2)11-5-7-13-15(9-11)20-16-10-12(19(3)4)6-8-14(16)17-13;;/h5-10H,1-4H3;1H;1H2/q+1;;/p-1
InChi Key
WQVSELLRAGBDLX-UHFFFAOYSA-M
Shipping & Storage Information
Storage
-20°C
Shipping
Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere
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    25 g

    $36

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    50 g

    $53

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    100 g

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    250 g

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    Product Description

    Methylene blue is a cationic thiazine dye that has diverse biological activities.1,2,3 It inhibits the catalytic function of inducible and constitutive nitric oxide synthases via oxidation of enzyme-bound ferrous iron.1 Methylene blue also inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) and increases the activity of mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase (complex IV).2,3 In vivo, methylene blue stabilizes systemic circulation without increasing peripheral resistance, decreases lipid peroxidation, and reduces anoxic tissue injury in brain and heart in a porcine model of global ischemia and reperfusion injury.1 It inhibits MAO activity in brain and reduces the age-related decline in grip strength and spatial memory in old mice when administered in drinking water at a concentration of 250 μM.2 Methylene blue (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg) also reduces immobility time in the forced swim test in mice, indicating antidepressant-like activity.3 Methylene blue is commonly used to stain cells and tissues in research.4

    WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.

    References & Product Citations
    Product Description References

    1. Wiklund, L., Basu, S., Miclescu, A., et al. Neuro- and cardioprotective effects of blockade of nitric oxide action by administration of methylene blue. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 1122(1), 231-244 (2007).

    2. Gharib, A., and Atamna, H. Methylene blue induces mitochondrial complex IV and improves cognitive function and grip strength in old mice. Neurodegeneration: Theory, disorders and treatments 63-85 (2011).

    3. Harvey, B.H., Duvenhage, I., Viljoen, F., et al. Role of monoamine oxidase, nitric oxide synthase and regional brain monoamines in the antidepressant-like effects of methylene blue and selected structural analogues. Biochem. Pharmacol. 80(10), 1580-1591 (2010).

    4. Hu, X., Laguerre, V., Packert, D., et al. A simple and efficient method for preparing cell slides and staining without using cytocentrifuge and cytoclips. Int. J. Cell Biol. 2015:813216, 813216 (2015).